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AFCBGeorge

Heinkel's build will be found here. (apologies for the slow thread!)
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Heinkel51 · Posted: Tue 14 Apr 2009 23:12 pm Post subject:

My contribution to this GB will be the conversion of a P38F to a P38M. As suggested by Brews The modifcations will require some new engine nacelles, a radar pod ,minor modifcations to the gun ports and the addition of a second cockpit. I will be using the two foot rule on the engines as the M had larger engines which really require a bit more than just a bit of putty to change the contour. I have an old J model Lightnings in the spares box which I will use as reference.

Heinkel51 · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

The base kit is the Airfix P-38F

I kicked off with some assembling the booms, outer wings and gun covers.

And then the first part of cutting in trimming down the cockpit tub.

The games a foot

Brews · Posted: Sat 18 Apr 2009 14:09 pm Post subject:

I'm salivating, Peter

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“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

Heinkel51 · Posted: Tue 21 Apr 2009 13:35 pm Post subject:

Heinkel51 · Posted: Sat 25 Apr 2009 09:44 am Post subject:

Well did some more on the rear of the fuselage. Made a spine out of 20 thou card cut to the to the profile of the rear fuselage, then cut slot in the deck to take the spine and added some sides. Result was appalling. Apart from the fact the radar operators bulkhead was not symmetrical the sides of the radar operators compartment needed a compound curve to fit properly. So removed it all to start again, thinking the way to go was to carve a new section in balsa wood and then plunge mould the new fuselage top. However the spares box yielded an old monogram model M from this I used some 'Sililgum' Silicon Moulding Paste to make a cast of the rear deck.

A little bit of sanding and a dry fit.

I'm not sure this bordering on cheating. Alas I cannot find the canopy so I'll be plunge moulding a new one.

Ratch · Posted: Sat 25 Apr 2009 10:23 am Post subject:

I wouldn't call making your own cheating Angel

Super job so far Clapping

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and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

Vostoc7 · Green Star Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Posts: 489 Location: UK

cool custom work Heinkel51, can‘t wait to see the final job ACE!

Heinkel51 · Posted: Sun 26 Apr 2009 05:28 am Post subject:

Setting aside the cockpit area while I have a think about how best to come up with a mould for the canopy, I turned my attention to the engines.

The M model had Allison V-1710 1,425 hp engines with modifed engine intakes and also different supercharges. I started with the new engine shape by slicing the old nose just in front of the oil? cooler intakes.

The next step should have been to take a piece of thick card and carve a new shape. However following on from earlier the carcass of the M yielded a nose. So out with the 'Sililgum' Silicon Moulding Paste

Now some quick cast resin and

I'll fill in the rest using Milliput - a first for me.

Brews · Posted: Sun 26 Apr 2009 06:35 am Post subject:

Excellent! Where do you get this silligum from? It looks very convenient!
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“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

Heinkel51 · Posted: Sun 26 Apr 2009 08:59 am Post subject:

I acquired the 'Siligum' from an Art Suppliers the type of shop that supplies Art Students in my case Eckersley's next to Swinburne Uni. The product is made by Gedeo a French Company.

It comes in two clear containers parts like 'small Brie cheeses'

Mix equal parts togethor (a bit like Milliput)

And then mould around the shape you want to copy. In my case I just laid the part on a flat surface and worked the putty over the part to ensure no air bubbles. I also added a small section of sprue to stiffen the mould.

Heinkel51 · Posted: Thu 30 Apr 2009 12:47 pm Post subject:

Filled in the rest of the engine nacelles with Milliput

Now some sanding with 1200 wet n dry.

The fit of the fueslage nose was a little average ,some it is my error and the booms will need some putty. However applying the two foot rule.

Next step is to think about the radar unit. For this I'll be pressing into service a couple of bombs from the spares box

Ratch · Posted: Thu 30 Apr 2009 17:03 pm Post subject:

Good work

_________________
and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

Bob(K) · Posted: Thu 30 Apr 2009 19:15 pm Post subject:

A very interesting and innovative conversion that I have been watching with interest. Some neat work too.

Bob(K)

Brews · Posted: Fri 01 May 2009 16:20 pm Post subject:

Excellent!
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“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” Winston Churchill

Minty · Posted: Fri 01 May 2009 19:57 pm Post subject:

Some nice conversion work Heinkel and I like the sound of that Siligum so will be hunting some down.

What brand of resin do you use for your castings?
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Cheers Glyn.

jssel · Posted: Sat 02 May 2009 11:25 am Post subject:

Excellent work
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Jeff S

Just Build it!

Nightstalkers GB

Heinkel51 · Posted: Sat 23 May 2009 12:11 pm Post subject:

Hi Guy's slow progress.

Constructed the radar pod housing out of a pair of 500lbs bombs from the spares box.

The pylon for the pod came from two pieces of 60 thou card laminated and sanded to shape

A couple of ribs out of Micro Strip and positioned.

The nose will still need some work to tidy up the joins.
Next was the radar console for the rear cockpit, cut from 40 thou card and attached to the rear of the pilots seat.

For the Radar operators canopy I shaped the mould from Milliput and then added a couple of coats of Mr Surfacer

Some acetate sheet a bit of heat and;

The next phase will be to modify the superchargers.

fittedkitchens · Posted: Sat 23 May 2009 12:23 pm Post subject:

Lovely work... I really like builds like this where we're taken through the steps of a conversion.

thomasweir · Posted: Sat 23 May 2009 12:59 pm Post subject:

Superb modifications